[This is the first of a series of monographs in which an attempt will be made to trace the history of the attitude of Congress toward the pioneers of the West.

It may appear to the student of American history that some phases of western history are too little considered, while other and less significant phases are rather fully discussed.

This is due to the fact that only those incidents have been chosen that called forth opinions in Congress concerning the character of the pioneer population and reflected the attitude especially of eastern con- gressmen.

Covering the period 1789 to 1820, from the organization of the First Congress to the time of the Missouri Compromise, the attitude of Con- gress towards the pioneers will be discussed under the following heads: (I) The Pioneers and the Public Lands; (II) Territorial Government in the West; (III) National Defense and Frontier Protection; and (IV) Internal Improve- ments in the West.

EDITOR.